Shutdown Ending: Did Democrats Cave for Nothing? | Pivot
Episode Description
The Pivot Tour rolls on! Kara and Scott are live from Brooklyn with special guest Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and former NYC mayoral candidate, to talk about his campaign, his cats, and more. Then, the government shutdown appears to be coming to an end, and Trump issues another round of pardons. Plus, the Supreme Court rejects a call to overturn its same-sex marriage decision, and a New York Times piece stirs backlash over women in the workplace.
Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 2:00 Curtis Sliwa’s Life and Mayoral Run 25:50 Government Shutdown Ending 34:47 Trump Grants More Pardons 39:10 NYT Gets Heat for Women in the Workplace Piece 46:13 SCOTUS Rejects Challenge to Same-Sex Marriage Decision 49:01 Scott’s Male Role Models 55:25 Q&A
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin
Video Editor: Jim Mackil
Vox Media's Executive Producer of Podcasts: Nishat Kurwa
Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email [email protected]
Brief Summary
Curtis Sliwa discusses his mayoral campaign, animal welfare, and masculinity with hosts Carara Swisser and Scott Galloway.
Key points
- Curtis Siwa's Bold Refusal. Curtis reveals he was offered $10 million to withdraw from the mayoral race, which he refused, citing ethics.
- Gandhi's Wisdom on Animals. Curtis shares a poignant quote from Gandhi about society's treatment of animals reflecting its treatment of people.
- Political Dynamics in NYC. Curtis reflects on his unique position as a Republican in a predominantly Democratic city.
- Cuomo's Dystopian Campaign. Curtis critiques Andrew Cuomo's campaign style, comparing it to a political zombie.
- Sacrifices for Nothing. Reflecting on the sacrifices made by the Democrats and the lack of results.
- Epstein Files Tease. There's speculation about the release of damaging Epstein files in the political arena.
Ask about Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway
Episode highlights
- Curtis Siwa's Bold RefusalCurtis reveals he was offered $10 million to withdraw from the mayoral race, which he refused, citing ethics.“I said, 'No, no. This is unethical. This is bribery.'”2:57Nov 12, 2025
- Gandhi's Wisdom on AnimalsCurtis shares a poignant quote from Gandhi about society's treatment of animals reflecting its treatment of people.“A society that does not take care of its animals does not take care of its people.”6:58Nov 12, 2025
- Political Dynamics in NYCCurtis reflects on his unique position as a Republican in a predominantly Democratic city.“I represent working-class people, especially in the outer boroughs.”12:04Nov 12, 2025
- Cuomo's Dystopian CampaignCurtis critiques Andrew Cuomo's campaign style, comparing it to a political zombie.“I feel soiled, like I have to take a hot shower.”23:26Nov 12, 2025
- Sacrifices for NothingReflecting on the sacrifices made by the Democrats and the lack of results.“We put a lot of people through a lot thinking that sacrifice might pay off.”27:13Nov 12, 2025
- Epstein Files TeaseThere's speculation about the release of damaging Epstein files in the political arena.“I think releasing the Epstein files is important.”30:41Nov 12, 2025
- Child Care and Economic AnxietyThe discussion shifts to the need for universal child care to alleviate economic stress.“The best thing we could do for young men right now would be universal child care.”42:05Nov 12, 2025
- The Alliance Between Men and WomenIt's not men versus women; it's about liberal versus illiberal thoughts.“The greatest alliance in history is the alliance between men and women.”45:44Nov 12, 2025
